Bernstein Private Wealth Management Unveils New Pooled Employer Plan

Rhea-AI Summary

Bernstein (NYSE: AB) launched the Bernstein PEP, a nationwide pooled employer plan on Oct 9, 2025 to expand retirement options for small- to mid-sized businesses and private equity firms. The PEP pairs Bernstein as 3(38) investment advisor with Empower as recordkeeper and National Professional Planning Group as pooled plan provider to simplify plan management, reduce administrative and fiduciary burden, and deliver institutional investments and participant engagement tools.

Scale metrics: AB manages $142.2 billion in defined contribution assets (as of 8/31/2025) and Bernstein reports $144 billion AUM (as of 6/30/2025). Equitable Holdings owns an approximate 69% economic interest in AB.

Positive

• Nationwide PEP launch on Oct 9, 2025
• AB manages $142.2 billion in defined contribution assets (as of 8/31/2025)
• Bernstein reports $144 billion AUM (as of 6/30/2025)

Negative

• None.

- Expands Retirement Benefit Options for Small to Mid-sized Businesses and Private Equity Firms-

-Offers Greater Investment Access, Cost Savings, and Simple Plan Management-

NEW YORK, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bernstein Private Wealth Management ("Bernstein"), a unit of AllianceBernstein L.P. (NYSE: AB), announced today the launch of the Bernstein PEP, a new pooled employer plan designed to enhance retirement benefit options for small to-mid-sized businesses and private equity firms. This nationwide offering provides a streamlined, cost-effective retirement solution for employers looking to provide competitive retirement benefits without the complexities of managing a traditional 401(k).

"We are excited to bring our new PEP to the DC retirement market in collaboration with Empower and the National Professional Planning Group," said Halley Love, Head of Bernstein Retirement. "Retirement plans are common across small to mid-sized businesses and private equity firms, yet many still operate without the full governance structure, administrative efficiency, or participant engagement tools needed to drive long-term impact. Our PEP addresses these gaps by simplifying plan management, reducing complexity, and helping employers deliver a more robust and engaging retirement benefit to their employees."

The Bernstein PEP aims to make retirement plans easier for employers to manage while delivering a unique experience for employees. It combines institutional quality investments, intuitive participant engagement tools, and simplified oversight. Bernstein serves as the 3(38)-investment advisor, Empower as the recordkeeper, and the National Professional Planning Group (NPPG) as the pooled plan provider (PPP).

Introduced in 2019 by the SECURE Act, PEPs are retirement plans that allow multiple employers from unrelated businesses to participate in a single retirement plan run by a third-party provider. This structure helps small to mid-sized companies and private equity firms to offer a more competitive workplace benefit that reduces administrative, compliance, and reporting complexities and lowers fiduciary risks. The SECURE Act of 2019 created PEPs to make saving for retirement easier for small to mid-sized employers, providing a solution to close the retirement savings gap for US employees without employer-sponsored plans.

As part of AB, which manages over $142.2 billion (as of 8/31/2025) in defined contribution assets, Bernstein provides small to mid-sized plans with institutional caliber advice and pricing on various aspects of designing and managing an employer-sponsored retirement plan, including its investment menu, while delivering the culture of a boutique wealth management firm. Its dedicated defined contribution specialists support Bernstein advisors across the country, helping plan sponsors manage fiduciary responsibilities, improve plan design, and reduce administrative complexity. The goal is to deliver greater value to businesses and their employees through a more effective retirement benefit.

AB is a subsidiary of Equitable Holdings, Inc., (EQH), a leading financial services holding company that comprises well-established and complementary businesses. Equitable Holdings, Inc., directly and through various subsidiaries, owns an approximate 69% economic interest in AB.

Bernstein has $144 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2025. For information about Bernstein's Defined Contribution Retirement Business and Insights click here.

About Bernstein Private Wealth Management
Bernstein Private Wealth Management advises ultrahigh- and high-net-worth clients on planning for—and living with—the complexities that come with significant wealth. Bernstein is distinguished among major wealth managers by its expertise in navigating life's transitions through a holistic approach. A flexible process—paired with innovative research, sophisticated modeling, and cutting-edge investment solutions—also set Bernstein apart. Headquartered in Nashville, TN, Bernstein is a business unit of AllianceBernstein, which ranks among the largest investment managers in the world, with offices in major world markets across 26 countries and jurisdictions and over $829 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2025. For additional information, visit Bernstein.com.

Media Contact: 
Katrina Clay 
katrina.clay@bernstein.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bernstein-private-wealth-management-unveils-new-pooled-employer-plan-302578514.html

SOURCE Bernstein Private Wealth Management

FAQ

What is the Bernstein PEP launched Oct 9, 2025 by AB (NYSE: AB)?

The Bernstein PEP is a pooled employer plan offering a streamlined retirement solution for unrelated employers, launched nationwide on Oct 9, 2025.

Who are the service partners for the Bernstein PEP (AB)?

Bernstein serves as the 3(38) investment advisor, Empower is the recordkeeper, and National Professional Planning Group is the pooled plan provider.

How does the Bernstein PEP aim to help small to mid-sized businesses (AB)?

The PEP is designed to reduce administrative complexity, lower fiduciary burden, and provide institutional investments and participant engagement tools.

What scale does AB bring to the Bernstein PEP offering?

AB manages $142.2 billion in defined contribution assets (as of 8/31/2025) and Bernstein reports $144 billion AUM (as of 6/30/2025).

Which employers can join the Bernstein PEP (NYSE: AB)?

Multiple unrelated employers, including small to mid-sized companies and private equity firms, can participate in the pooled employer plan structure.

What retirement plan features does the Bernstein PEP highlight for participants?

The PEP combines institutional-quality investments, simplified oversight, and intuitive participant engagement tools to improve the retirement experience.